A to Z Challenge: R

R = Riyria

Most of you, I'm sure, are wondering what the heck Riyria is. Well, it's a realm. It's also part of a title of a series that I am in LOVE with: The Riyria Revelations. The author is Michael J. Sullivan, one of my favorite contemporary authors.

I discovered his books on a whim, when his wife approached me about getting the first book in the series, The Crown Conspiracy, at a discounted price. I decided to go for it, and have never ever even considered regretting it! I have since read the following five books, with the sixth coming my way in the next few weeks. And I cannot wait. How many teen (and not-so-teen) girls around the country couldn't wait for the release of Stephenie Meyer's Breaking Dawn. That's how excited I am. I am not exaggerating.

You see, The Crown Conspiracy is the book that reacquainted me with my love of reading. It's the book that reminded me why I love to read, and why fantasy is one of my favorite genres. It got me back in touch with my inner book nerd. And I haven't looked back since.

The series gets better and better as it progresses through the books. And that's why I just cannot wait to read the end. (Although, it will be bittersweet, as is often the case at the end of any type of series.) Best of all, this series was picked up by Orbit Books (an imprint of Hachette), making its awesomeness official.

Book Review: The Emerald Storm

The Emerald Storm by Michael J.  Sullivan

Summary: Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review: This is another excellent installment in The Riyria Revelations series! There is lots of fast-paced action that makes the book hard to put down. I found I liked it even better the second time reading through it, but I don't think it's as good as its predecessors. I'm not sure why - I can't put a finger on what it is. But, it is still VERY good.

I must say that there are things from Royce and Hadrian's past - former jobs they had - that are discussed a lot. I'd LOVE to see Michael give us the WHOLE story in these - perhaps sometime after the current series is done!

Speaking of the current series, this is the first one I find myself wondering if someone who read this first could follow it very well. There is a lot of referencing to previous episodes in this series, and without having read them it might frustrate readers. One example is when Hadrian calls Royce "Esrahaddon" because of something somewhat cryptic he says. But, the first two books in the series are really where we get to know Esrahaddon, and I think that little tidbit (which, I must admit, I LOVED - it cracked me up) could confuse someone who hasn't read them.

But, all of that said, I still enjoyed this book very much! Sullivan is an EXCELLENT author who expertly brings his stories - and characters - to life! I can't wait to see what's coming next!

Source: I had the privilege of editing this book, so I got my hands on it for free. But, that in NO way influences my review, and I did not receive any compensation for this post.

Get your own copy: Purchase a copy of The Emerald Storm through Amazon.

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Book Review: Nyphron Rising

Nyphron Rising by Michael J. Sullivan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another absolutely riveting installment in The Riyira Revelations series! We are now halfway through the entire series, and I cannot wait to see where it's going. Once again, Michael J. Sullivan did not disappoint. There was suspense, humor, action, treachery, and even a tiny bit of love thrown in.

I found that I was able to guess what was going to happen in a couple of instances. I suspect that it was not a problem with the story, rather a familiarity with Royce and Hadrian. This being the third book about these central characters, I feel like I "know" them and can guess what they're thinking. I think that is why I was able to figure out what they were going to do a couple of times. This speaks volumes of Sullivan's abilities as an author. To have characters that readers can learn so well is pretty impressive. They are well-rounded and very consistent from one installment to the next.

Getting back to Royce and Hadrian, I loved the exchange while they were imprisoned in Hintindar. I thought Hadrian's revelation regarding Royce was touching.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, and I do wonder what "the truth" is and whether Royce and/or Hadrian learn it in time. I will be waiting impatiently to get my hands on the next book in the series to see how this all plays out!

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Book Review: Avempartha

Avempartha by Michael J. Sullivan

rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading The Crown Conspiracy, I was excitedly waiting for the release of Avempartha. I am pleased to say that it did not disappoint. It was very good, and I found myself stealing away from a weekend visiting family to read more! I enjoyed the further development of some of the characters from the first book, as well as meeting many new characters.

I have to say, about Royce, I knew it! I suspected from about halfway through The Crown Conspiracy, and was glad to find out I was correct! If you wanna know what I'm talking about, read both books! ;-)

As for Hadrian, I have some theories about him after having read Avempartha. I am hoping I'll get confirmation one way or the other in the next book, which I believe is Nyphron Rising.

I am keeping this pretty vague to keep from spoiling this - or the previous book - for anyone who wants to read it. I HIGHLY recommend both books, and cannot wait until the next is released! I have to also say that Michael J. Sullivan is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! I cannot wait to see what else he has in store!

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Book Review: The Crown Conspiracy

The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I must admit that when I obtained it I was slightly skeptical. But, I was given a great deal - and even got a signed copy! :-) So, I set about reading it. And I could NOT put it down! I read this book in a few days - and probably would have read it faster if I wasn't sick this past week. That said, I'm going to be somewhat vague in my review, as I hate spoilers and prefer to avoid writing anything that might ruin the book for others! ;-)



Anyway, this book was so much better than I'd expected. I loved Hadrian and Royce - despite the fact that they were master thieves! Most of the characters were well-developed and quite interesting. The plot moved quickly and had very interested twists and turns. The descriptions were detailed and really helped me "see" everything as I read.



One thing - the description of the sword fights lost me. I know nothing about fencing or whatever, and some of the terminology was over my head. But, the plot was awesome and I couldn't put the book down.



I do wonder if Mr. Sullivan is planning to make this into a series. There were things that happened that made me wonder if more was coming that would expand on some of the events in this book. I certainly hope so! If there is another book (or more) to follow this one, I won't waste any time obtaining it. I might even pre-order it! Either way, I will be looking for more books from Michael J. Sullivan!


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